Why is kenya so good at running

Overall, there is an interplay between nature and nurture in the success of Kenyan runners. Admittedly, my research does not answer all of the questions surrounding the performance of Kenyan runners. More research still needs to be done to explain and fully understand the phenomenon.

Some experts attribute their prowess to favorable physiological characteristics. Such characteristics include, among others, maximal oxygen uptake, higher ability of the body to convert certain fats to energy, particularly during prolonged periods, and the ability to efficiently consume oxygen.

Sports scientists like myself have also linked their success to their diet, which is typically high in carbohydrates and low in fat. Their protein intake matches that of other elite athletes. Generally, the staple diets of Kenyan runners include ugali stiff porridge made from maize or millet flour , green leafy vegetables, milk, kidney beans, and eggs.

Genetic makeup is another factor. But studies have been unable to prove that Kenyan athletes are genetically adapted towards distance running. One thing that does work to their advantage, however, is the fact most of them were born and raised at high altitude.

The body produces more and bigger red blood cells at high altitude. This increases oxygen delivery to the muscles and boosts performance. And when I saw there was no book, or at that time no films, on the subject, I decided to go there and write one.

His book , "Running with the Kenyans," gives more insight into what he found out. And there is no one major secret, he says. It's not one thing but a perfect storm of elements that come together in Kenya's Rift Valley region to make the people there so strong at distance running," Finn says.

There's the location, the way of life, the environment. Then there is the simple diet, the lack of junk food, and the perfect running terrain rolling hills, dirt roads all over the place," he says. And if that doesn't lure you in, there's the proximity to international elite runners to motivate anyone. Almost every village has someone who has come back from 'abroad' with winnings, and these stars are very accessible and open to supporting the younger athletes.

As a result, everyone who can run, aspires to be a runner, he says. This attracts agents, sponsors, coaches With all this impetus, some great athletes are going to emerge out the other end," he says. Mary Keitany. Growing up without shoes, without protective cushioning under your feet, means you learn to connect with the ground and move more efficiently, as your brain responds to the senses on the soles of your feet.

Watch any leading Kenyan compete and they seem to glide, barely touching the ground. This almost perfect form comes in part from growing up running everywhere without shoes. Top Kenyan runners, almost without exception, hail from rural backgrounds where, after running to and from school daily, they then have to herd sheep or fetch water or dig the land. This tough upbringing gives them a base fitness and strength incomparable to the vast majority of Western teenagers.

This strong foundation then feeds into the most inspiring running community on Earth. In the small town of Iten, for example, there are around 2, full-time runners, crisscrossing each other on the dirt roads every morning like commuters in any other part of the world. In Iten, nobody asks you why you run. Among these runners are countless Olympic and world champions, happy to train with everyone else.

There are so many successful athletes that almost every village in the region has its star, someone who has been abroad and returned wealthy, to build an impressive house, buy a large car and help support the community. These athletes mix with everyone else, encouraging the younger runners so that the inspiration is direct and tangible. In other countries of the world, there are surely runners just as talented, with tough rural upbringings lived out at altitude.

Three of the top four women also were from Kenya or Ethiopia. American Jordan Hasay, who finished third among the women, was the lone exception. Arinze Esomnofu is a Nigerian media professional, content editor and a freelance journalist.

He is currently the country manager for Flashscore Nigeria. Skip to main content. Desisa surged late to grab the lead then withstood a finishing kick from Kitata to win the Why this matters Since bursting on the scene at the Mexico City Summer Olympics, Kenyan and Ethiopian distance runners have dominated. Health Running older, running better: Miles add up to more resilient women.

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